For Better or For Worse

In this day and age we live in, I have come to realize everybody has baggage. We develop this in a variety of ways, from friendships, relationships, family, etc. This largely effects if a person responds with a positive or negative sentiment override. Somebody that has been emotionally abused will most likely respond to many things with a negative sentiment override if some normal actions were tactics once used by their abuser.
A simple example of this is the scenario of someone taking a long time to text back, or not answering a call. Those with a positive sentiment override would say “they’re just busy and will get back to me when they can.” To someone that was neglected in a previous relationship, this is an absolute red flag and will more than likely result in a negative sentiment override. Because of the way our generation has begun using different tactics to manipulate emotions, we are becoming conditioned to have a negative sentiment override. This is absolutely the plan of the adversary.
The healthiest relationships and marriages I know, are characterized by positive sentiment override. This is not to assume that neither one of them have suffered or carry their own personal baggage, but that they have learned how to properly cope with those past experiences. These couples consistently give the benefit of the doubt and place their trust in their spouse. However, as I’ve talked to some couples, it wasn’t always that way. Some of these relationships did begin with frequent negative sentiment overrides, but as they communicated and consistently proved to each other that their intentions were pure, it was then that they were able to trust each other and rely on one another. The ability to rely on each other was foundational in establishing positive sentiment override. Getting to this point required a lot of forgiveness, and effort from both parties to ensure that their significant other felt secure.
These healthy marriages required commitment to be the person they said they’re going to be. It took consistency and charity as they sought to understand their significant other. Sacrifice is essential in this process. As I’ve said before, sacrifice can also mean “to make sacred”. As these couples made healthy sacrifices for each other to improve and progress, it made their time and relationship more sacred.